Author notes: I am writing this story due to seeing that Mark Harmon's wife Pam Dawber will be working in four episodes as a reporter. This is my offshoot on what might happen between the both of them during an important investigation.

Time heals all wounds

Chapter one

April 6th, 2021

It's been three weeks since he's been suspended by NCIS and Director Leon Vance. Even though he didn't mind the time off to heal from his pain. He had been suffering for the longest time since the deaths of Shannon and Kelly.

His newfound friend Lucy had been laying on the couch after being fed by him. He had just gotten up from a good night's sleep finally after the death of Emily. Both he and Fornell had been talking to Doctor Grace Confalone to help them somewhat.

His friend Tobias Fornell had made the decision to head back to the F.B.I. after the case involving him. He had thought it was for the best in order for him to stay busy. Even though the private investigations business wasn't worth it at all. So the regional office of Washington, D.C. had taken him back. And right away he was involved in three different cases involving possible Cartel ties with a Washington Post reporter Daniel Webster disappearing during the past week. His partner Marcie Warren had been looking into his disappearance without any help from the authorities. So she decided to contact someone to see if this particular person will be able to help.

Special Agent Gibbs changing into his blue sweatpants and pleaded blue shirt. He had placed Lucy on the leash to keep her inside his truck driving on over to his favorite diner. He's been doing this doing the past three weeks, while his team with now team leader Senior Field Agent Timothy McGee had taken over. They had been stay busy themselves with a number of cases and including from Director Vance. He's not said all that much for when it comes to Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs.

He had a meeting with a woman that he had to turn down since he wasn't able to help. Washington Post reporter Marcie Madden had come to him asking for help since it didn't involve the Marines or the Navy. She had walked out disgusted for the most part since she had heard that Special Agent Gibbs had been suspended as she had heard what has happened.

Walking down the stairs with seeing the team sitting talking amongst themselves over a case. She wanted to talk with them. But she didn't wish to make waves with the director. So she was going to head for the 24-hour diner for where Special Agent Gibbs hangs out most of the time.

She found her vehicle in the Naval Yards with the one file sitting next to her and for which she was planning on giving to Gibbs if and when he decides to work with her in finding her associate Daniel Webster of five years.

Moving out of the Naval Yards with her I.D. and badge. She had made sure that she wasn't tailed in case someone was trying to stop her with the three major stories she has working for the Washington Post.

Reaching the 24-hour diner. She had found it rather busy and so far no grey truck. She parked her blue chevy vehicle for which gets her around with her work. While her apartment is a piece of work with all types of antiques of lamps.

Moving inside the diner she had heard about the one waitress working for a long time was working the tables this morning named Elle. She was working at the register when she had come in finding a seat at the far end of the counter.

Elle came over with the menu asking whether she wanted coffee.

"Thanks, I will have coffee along with breakfast consisting of scrambled eggs, bacon, potatoes, toast, coffee, and orange juice. I need to ask on whether Special Agent Gibbs had been here yet?" she said to the older waitress.

"You know Gibbs?" she asked with noticing that he was parking his truck now with his pet Lucy inside. "Looks like he's arriving now. Do you want me to let him know that you're asking for him?" she will have to say before moving slightly.

"It's alright I will talk to him when I am ready. Thanks for the offer," she replied with watching Elle leave to place the order and the Special Agent walking in to sit down at the counter as another waitress asked whether he wanted coffee.

"I will have breakfast today. Too lazy to cook today in my own kitchen." he chuckled slightly making him feeling slightly better during the past three weeks. He hated himself prior to it with always feeling angry until he blew during the Dog ring case and landing in jail and being suspended by Director Vance.

"Great! I will order the breakfast for you." Debbie working the diner for the past five years as with Elle and a few others.

This is when Marcie Warren decided to say something to him. As he turned to smile at the woman that was beautiful in a big way. "Hi, I am Marcie Warren of the Washington Post. I know who you are having to be Supervisory team leader Special Agent Gibbs of NCIS."

"Currently on a forced suspension during the past three weeks," he said...

"I am sorry to hear that Special Agent Gibbs. I have been working on three major stories for the post and I have been looking for help. I just came from the Naval Yards asking for help from him only to be turned down since it doesn't involve the Marines or Navy." she exclaimed with sipping her coffee with three regular sugars and milk.

"I don't understand why you needed NCIS in the first place Miss Warren or is it Mrs.?" he said with a slight smirk on his face.

"It's miss, Special Agent Gibbs. The associate that works with me has disappeared and I think it has something to do with the Cartel in this area for which we had been working on the past few months. They had been bringing in weapons and drugs mostly Opium and Cocaine. I know there is a warehouse in Alexandria, Virginia just on the outskirts of the Bethesda hospital. If you're interested I have this file that you're able to read first before deciding anything at all." she pushes the large vanilla file to him as he takes it for now.

"I will take this home with me and let you know. Can I have your phone so that I can call you?" he said.

"Thank you, I won't bother you any further." she will say with handing him her business card with all of the numbers.